“Show me a player who doesn’t drink”: Richards Bay boss defends Mhango

Richards Bay FC chairman Sifiso Biyela has defended new signing Gabadinho Mhango against his history of nightlife indulgence, provocatively challenging, “Show me which player in the PSL doesn’t drink alcohol?”

Mhango was recently unveiled by Richards Bay alongside ten other new players: Lindo Mtshali, Thabani Zuke, Benson Mangolo, Halalisani Vilakazi, Ntokozo Nzama, Sboniso Madonsela, Philani Khumalo, Lundi Mahala, Mbulelo Nombengula, and Olwethu Mbambo.

The Malawi international’s reputation for partying precedes him. Last season, while at Marumo Gallants, he was involved in a car accident, reportedly under the influence. His off-field conduct also allegedly led AmaZulu FC to part ways with him in 2023 under then-coach Pablo Franco Martin. Furthermore, at Orlando Pirates, Mhango was once reported for leaving a Pretoria nightclub without settling his bill.

However, Richards Bay, having lost key striker Yanela Mbuthuma to Pirates in the off-season, is keenly focused on Mhango’s goal-scoring prowess for the upcoming Betway Premiership season.

Addressing questions about Mhango’s past, Biyela stated, “I’m not in the position of judging people; I’m not Jesus. My role is to support people; my role is to try and get the best out of those people.” He likened the situation to journalists having a private life, which he doesn’t judge as long as their work is diligent.

The chairman emphasised a positive and paternal approach: “Most of the time I look at the positive side and try and be a father figure to deal with the negative side. But I don’t want to be negative because when I focus on that, the mistake that I’m going to make will be to try and suppress all the things that he has done.”

Biyela’s ultimate priority is on-field performance. The 33-year-old Mhango, a PSL Golden Boot winner and league champion with Bidvest Wits (2016/17 season), scored five goals in 22 appearances for Gallants last season, helping them to a 10th-place finish. He also boasts two MTN8 titles and a Carling Knockout win.

“The fact of the matter is, statistics are there in terms of the goals that he is scoring,” Biyela asserted. “Give me the player that doesn’t drink and who is giving you those statistics – they don’t drink, they don’t score. They drink; they score. What do I want? I’m not a rehab. What do I want? I want them to score, or I want them to change their lifestyle?”